An investigation has been launched after 74 people who visited a hotel became ill.

Dr Lika Nehaul, consultant in communicable disease control at Public Health Wales, said: “Twenty-three staff and 51 guests of the Hilton Hotel in Langstone, Newport, are known to have become unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting.

“Investigations carried out by Newport City Council’s environmental health team indicate that the illness was consistent with a viral infection passed from person to person, most likely norovirus.

“Control measures have been put in place at the hotel to prevent the spread of infection.

“Gastrointestinal illnesses like this can be easily passed from person to person and it is therefore important that anyone who has had vomiting or diarrhoea should not return to work or school for 48 hours after their last symptoms.

“Anyone who has been unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting for more than 48 hours is advised to contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.”